Wig and method of wig manufacture

ABSTRACT

A wig is provided comprising a first scalp layer and a second scalp layer and a plurality of hairs. The second scalp layer comprises one or more mesh sheet, lace segment, or weft, and each of the plurality of hairs passes through the first scalp layer and is tied to the second scalp layer. The first scalp layer is made of a different material than the second scalp layer, and the hair does not pass through the first scalp layer. A method for manufacturing such a wig is provided as well.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/053,538, filed Sep. 22, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to wigs and their methods of manufacturing, particularly in relation to a plurality of scalp layers to which hairs in a wig are applied.

BACKGROUND

A wig is generally made up of a wig base and hair (either natural or artificial) applied to the wig base. The application of such hairs to the wig base is either done manually, using machines, or through a combination of methods. Occasionally, the application of the hair to different portions of the wig is through different methods as well.

Typically, when observing a wig base with hair tied to it, knots are visible, since the layer of the wig base to which the hair is being applied must be course enough to facilitate tying using the application method to be used. This layer often takes the form of mesh, lace, or a weft. It will be understood that in this disclosure the term mesh may refer to lace or a weft as well. This is particularly true when the layer is to be machine tied, leading to a mesh that is larger and stiffer than is ideal for comfort or the look of the wig, but is instead is designed to allow for the use of a ventilating needle. Further, the stiffer mesh (or weft) associated with machine tied wigs does not allow for flexibility in hair styles, leaves knots where hair is fixed to the wig base more visible, and typically a part in such a wig cannot be changed easily.

However, machine tied manufacturing processes are less resource intensive than hand tying processes. Therefore, less expensive wigs tend to be entirely, or mostly, machine tied.

To account for this inflexibility and higher visibility of the knots associated with machine tying and the higher costs associated with hand tying wigs, wig manufacturers employ both hand tied and machine tied segments strategically. Accordingly, they place hand tied wig segments in portions of wigs that a user may wish to modify, such as a part location associated with a hairstyle for the wig, that may be more visible, and that is more likely to come into contact with the wearer's skin. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, showing the inside of a traditional lace front wig 100, a lace front wig may be provided with lace 110 only in the front portion of a wig, while the remainder of the wig 120 is made up of a more traditional machine tied weft.

However, even in such a scenario, the mesh layer is visible when observing the scalp portion of a wig. Upon viewing such a mesh, it may become obvious to an observer that the scalp portion is for a wig, and not the wearer's natural hair, which is often not desirable when wearing a wig. This is particularly true where a wearer has natural hair placed under the wig, as the mesh reveals the users hair rather than scalp.

Accordingly, traditionally, the use of a wig is apparent when viewing a wearer's hair line or a hair part, where the scalp of the wig is visible, and often somewhat transparent. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, showing a traditional lace front wig in accordance with the prior art, knots 130 are visible through the scalp layer. In order to make the scalp of the wig appear more natural at the part, wearers often use makeup to match their skin tone applied to the part, or a skin toned cap placed under the wig.

Some wigs include a skin toned cap as a base layer of the wig. However, such a configuration is more expensive to manufacture, requires more expensive materials, and may be too hot for many users.

Further, the mesh used when machine tying is inflexible, and the mesh associated with either machine tied or hand tied wigs may lead to skin irritation or discomfort during wearing.

Accordingly, there is a need for a wig that retains the cost efficiency of a machine tied wig while providing the benefits of a hand tied wig. There is a further need for a wig and wig manufacturing method that can give a wearer a more natural appearance when viewing the scalp portion of the wig without requiring concealing makeup or additional materials.

SUMMARY

A wig is provided comprising a first scalp layer and a second scalp layer and a plurality of hairs. The second scalp layer comprises one or more mesh sheet, lace segment, or weft, and each of the plurality of hairs, which may be natural or artificial, passes through the first scalp layer and is tied to the second scalp layer. The first scalp layer is made of a different material than the second scalp layer, and the hair does not pass through the first scalp layer.

In some embodiments, the first scalp layer and the second scalp layer cover different portions of the scalp of a user of the wig. The second scalp layer may cover a larger portion of the scalp and may include the entirety of the portion covered by the first scalp layer, overlaying the first scalp layer. The first scalp layer may be split into different sections and may be configured to correspond with various hairstyles, or hairlines of users.

In some embodiments, overlapping portions of the first scalp layer and the second scalp layer may correspond to hairs that are hand tied and non-overlapping portions may correspond to sections of the wig that are machine tied. Characteristics of the layers may be selected to correspond to such hand tying and non-hand tying.

In some embodiments, the first scalp layer may be of a color selected to correspond to the skin tone of a user.

A method for manufacturing such a wig is provided as well, the method comprising using a machine to tie hairs to one section of the first scalp layer, manually tying hairs to a second section of the first scalp layer, and then fixing the second scalp layer to the first section of the first scalp layer and not to the second section of the first scalp layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a view of the inside portion of a traditional lace front wig.

FIG. 2 shows an image of a hairline of a traditional lace front wig.

FIG. 3 shows an image of a part in a traditional lace front wig.

FIGS. 4A-D show a variety of views of the inside portion of a wig in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an image of a hairline in the wig of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows an image of a part in the wig of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 7A-B show a variety of views of the inside portion of a second embodiment of a wig in accordance with this disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-C show a variety of views of the inside portion of a third embodiment of a wig in accordance with this disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-B show images of a part in a hair closure piece in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows an inside view of the hair closure piece of FIG. 9A-B.

FIG. 11 shows an inside view of a traditional lace hair closure piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

FIGS. 4A-D show a variety of views of the inside portion of a wig 200. As shown in FIG. 4A the wig is made up of a first scalp layer 210, a second scalp layer 220, and hair 230. The first scalp layer 210 is of a material selected to match the skin tone of a wearer of the wig, and typically is not made of mesh, or is made of a finer mesh than the second scalp layer 620. The second scalp layer 220 is of a different material than the first scalp layer 210, and is typically mesh. The hair 230 passes through and is secured to the second scalp layer 220. This may be by knotting, which may be done either by hand or by use of a machine implementing a ventilating needle. It may further be by using a machine to weave hair into a weft of fabric.

As shown, the second scalp layer 220 may then be made up of a first segment 240 which is a first mesh material, typically suitable for hand tying, and a second segment 250, which is a second mesh material or a weft, suitable for machine tying. Accordingly, it will be understood that the term mesh may include a weft. The two segments of the second scalp layer 220 may be held together with a connector 260, which may further connect the first scalp layer 210 to the second scalp layer 220. Accordingly, hair may be applied to the first segment 240 using a hand tying method, and the second segment 250 using a machine tying method.

The hair 230 may be human hair, or may be animal hair or artificial hair made of synthetic fiber. Further, the hair 230 may be a blend of human hair and synthetic fibers, or some other blend. The wig 200 may further comprise elastic bands 270 or other types of bands in combination with clips 280 and straps 290 for fixing the wig to a wearers head.

Accordingly, when assembled, the first scalp layer 210 covers a portion of the second scalp layer 220, and the connector 260 connects the first scalp layer 210, the first segment 240 of the second scalp layer 220, and the second segment 250 of the second scalp layer. Further, the second segment 250 typically comprises a traditional base for machine tying, while the first segment 240 typically comprises a more modern lace base for hand tying.

Further, when the wig is worn, the first scalp layer 210 covers a small portion of the wearer's scalp, while the second scalp layer 220 covers a larger portion of the wearer's scalp which fully encompasses the small portion covered by the first scalp layer 210. Therefore, a portion of the second scalp layer 220 overlays the first scalp layer 220.

The small portion of the wearer's scalp typically corresponds to the portion of the wig that would be modified for various hairstyles, such as a part. As shown in FIG. 4A, the wig is configured so that the portion of the wig corresponding to the first portion of the wearer's scalp, that is the first scalp layer 210, is located to correspond to a part towards the center of the wearer's scalp.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an image of a hairline and a part, respectively, in the wig 200 of FIG. 4. As shown in the image, the mesh of the first section 240 of the second scalp layer 220 is visible, and is transparent. Further, the first scalp layer 210 is visible beyond the second scalp layer 220. While knots 300 are visible in the image, they are camouflaged against the background of the first scalp layer 210. The distinction is particularly obvious when viewing the hairline of the wig 310 (where the mesh of the second scalp layer 220 will be hidden or removed when worn).

FIGS. 7A-B show a variety of views of the inside portion of a second embodiment of a wig 400 in accordance with this disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the first scalp layer 410 is positioned to lie on top of the wearer's hairline. This embodiment is used when the wearer does not plan on parting her hair, but instead plans on having her hair swept back. The remainder of the embodiment shown contains features and elements similar to those shown in FIG. 4A-C.

FIGS. 8A-C show a variety of views of the inside portion of a third embodiment of a wig 500 in accordance with this disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the first scalp layer 510 is positioned to correspond to a side part and a hairline for a wearer. In some embodiments, the first scalp layer 510 may be provided in multiple segments, such that a wearer can select a part corresponding to any one or more of the segments. The remainder of the embodiment shown contains features and elements similar to those shown in FIG. 4A-C.

A wig 200, 400, 500 as shown may be manufactured by first utilizing a machine, such as a sewing machine, to tie hair to a first section 240 of the second scalp layer 220. Hair may then be hand tied to a second section 250 of the second scalp layer. A material may then be selected for the first scalp layer 210, such that the material color matches the skin tone of a wearer for the wig 200, 400, 500. The first scalp layer 210 may then be fixed to the second scalp layer 220 such that the first scalp layer overlays only the second section 250 of the second scalp layer.

In addition to the use of the wig construction and wig manufacturing techniques described herein with respect to traditional wigs, the construction and techniques may also be applied to hair closure pieces and assorted other types of hair pieces. FIGS. 9A-B show images of a part in a hair closure piece 600 in accordance with this disclosure. As shown, the hairpiece is made up of a first scalp layer 610, a second scalp layer 620, and hair 630. The first scalp layer 610 is of a material selected to match the skin tone of a wearer of the wig, and typically is not made of mesh, or is made of a finer mesh than the second scalp layer 620. The second scalp layer 620 is of a different material than the first scalp layer 610, and is typically mesh. The hair 630 passes through and is secured to the second scalp layer 620. This may be by knotting, which may be done either by hand or by use of a machine implementing a ventilating needle.

In the embodiment shown, the layers may be reversed when compared with previous embodiments. As shown, the second layer 620 may be placed below, or closer to the wearer's scalp, than the first layer 610, and the hair 630 may pass through the first layer 610 and be tied to the second layer 620. Accordingly, when worn, the first layer 610 may have the appearance of being a wearer's scalp, and the knots may be in the second layer 620, opposite the first layer 610 from the bulk of the hair 630. This tying may be done using the ventilation technique.

FIG. 10 shows an inside view of the hair closure piece 600 of FIG. 9A-B. As shown, knots 640 are in the second layer 620 opposite the first layer 610 from the bulk of the hair 630.

FIG. 11 shows a traditional hair closure piece 700 built on lace material 710. As shown, the knots 720 are tied directly in the lace material 710.

While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wig comprising: a first scalp layer; a second scalp layer; and a plurality of hairs, wherein the second scalp layer comprises one or more mesh sheet, lace segment, or weft, and wherein each of the plurality of hairs passes through and is tied to the second scalp layer, and wherein the first scalp layer is of a different material than the second scalp layer, and wherein the hair does not pass through the first scalp layer.
 2. The wig of claim 1, wherein the first scalp layer covers a first portion of the scalp and the second scalp layer covers a second portion of the scalp, and wherein the second portion is larger than the first portion and includes the first portion, such that at least a part of the second portion overlays the first portion.
 3. The wig of claim 2, wherein the first portion is located to correspond to at least one part location associated with a hairstyle.
 4. The wig of claim 3, wherein the hairstyle has a side part.
 5. The wig of claim 3, wherein the first scalp layer is split into two or more first scalp layer sections wherein each of the first scalp layer sections corresponds to a part location associated with a hairstyle.
 6. The wig of claim 2, wherein the first portion of the scalp is located to correspond to a user hair line.
 7. The wig of claim 2, wherein hairs tied to sections of the second scalp layer overlaying the first scalp layer are hand tied and hairs tied to sections of the second scalp layer not overlaying the first scalp layer are machine tied.
 8. The wig of claim 7 wherein the sections of the second scalp layer overlaying the first scalp layer are of a first consistency configured for hand tying and wherein the sections of the second scalp layer not overlaying the first scalp layer are of a second consistency configured for machine tying.
 9. The wig of claim 2, wherein the first portion is located to correspond to exposed skin of a wearer.
 10. The wig of claim 1, wherein the color of the first scalp layer is selected to correspond to a skin tone.
 11. The wig of claim 1, wherein the hairs are artificial.
 12. The wig of claim 1, wherein the hairs are a blend of artificial hair and human hair.
 13. A method for manufacturing a wig, the method comprising: utilizing a machine to tie a plurality of hairs to a first section of a first scalp layer; manually tying a plurality of hairs to a second section of the first scalp layer; and fixing a second scalp layer to the first section of the first scalp layer, and not to the second section of the first scalp layer, wherein the first scalp layer is a mesh layer and the second scalp layer is of a different material than the first scalp layer.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a color for the second scalp layer is selected to match a user skin tone.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first section of the first scalp layer is located within the first scalp layer to correspond to a part location associated with a hair style.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first section of the first scalp layer comprises a plurality of segments, each corresponding to a part associated with a different hair style.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the first section of the first scalp layer corresponds to a user hair line. 